Bernie bribed banker - judge

A judge has ruled that Bernie Ecclestone's payments to former Formula 1 banker Gerhard Gribkowsky were indeed bribes.

Ecclestone has denied the judge's description of the payments, insisting that he only paid the millions after a subtle "shakedown" by Gribkowsky.

Justice Vo commented, "Isn't that a bribe?"

The judge has entered a default decision against Gribkowsky, because he did not respond to the writ, during the civil proceedings brought by former F1 shareholder Constantin Medien.

Medien's lawyer, Keith Oliver, said: "Constantin welcomes this important procedural step and will be pressing on with the determination of damages against Gribkowsky and in the continuing proceedings against Ecclestone and (Stephen) Mullens, and Bambino Holdings."